The questions below are usually the first ones we get asked when someone is new to our products.

If you require additional information, we would be happy to assist you. Please Contact Us for Assistance.

COMPRESSOR QUESTIONS:

What are the air requirements for a compressor for engraving?

The air requirement for the engraving system is 3.0 cfm at 100 psi. Almost any compressor, with the exception of some very small ones, will operate the engraving system just fine. Airbrush compressors generally do not provide sufficient volume to operate the engraver.

What are the requirements for a compressor to run the Parablaster?

The air requirement for the Parablaster is 4.3 cfm @ 100 psi. We do recommend a tank type compressor as they have proven to be better in the long run for using the Parablaster and minimizing problems.

Do I have to oil the compressor?

No, our portable compressors are completely oil free. However, we do recommend a tank type compressor if you are going to be using the Parablaster for long periods of time. This reduces the amount of moisture problems. Our small compressors will operate the ParaBlaster, however, we recommend a tank-type compressor for optimum performance.

How do I maintain my compressor?

Always make sure the compressor has an adequate air supply. You can put it in a closet or any enclosed area, as long as there is enough air flow. If the compressor cannot get enough air, it will shut off and not restart until it has cooled down. This is a built in safety feature of the compressor. If this happens, you will need to change something to make sure the compressor is getting enough fresh air to operate correctly.

What pressure should I set my compressor at?

The Thomas compressor is pre-set at the factory and does not have any external adjustments for pressure. Just plug it in and let it go. You will want to regulate your air pressure down at the regulator on the Parablaster or your engraving system.

How do I know if I have enough pressure?

You will set the pressure by the gauge on the side of the Parablaster or on the front of the FRL. They will both arrive pre-set for most applications. This is usually about 40 psi for engraving and blasting. However, for soft woods, such as pine, balsa, basswood, etc., you may want to decrease the pressure to 30 psi or less. When engraving hard plastics such as acrylics, Lexan (motorcycle wind shields), etc. you will want to set it around 15-20 psi to avoid melting the plastic.

FRL (Filter/Regulator/Lubricator):

How do I adjust the pressure?

You can adjust the pressure by pulling up the black knob on top, and turning it to the right or left to increase or decrease the air pressure. You will need to do this with the compressor running to see the pressure.

What is the drip rate that I should set the lubricator at?

One to two drops per minute is sufficient. If you can see it dripping in the clear part on top of the lubricator, it is working fine. Check this periodically to make sure the drip rate stays consistent at one to two drops per minute.

Does the oil go bad over time?

The oil may change slightly in color over time. If this happens, we recommend that you replace the oil with new. The Oil is very inexpensive and it is not worth the risk, if your oil has been sitting for a long period of time or it has become discolored, replace it.

I don’t see the oil coming out into the tube, how do I know when I have enough?

If you can see the oil dripping inside the clear plastic part on the top of the lubricator, it is working. Check it with a clock to make sure the drip rate is 1-2 drops per minute. That is all you need. You may not be able to see it traveling down the clear tubing to your handpiece, but if you can see it dripping, it is working.

Turbo 300 Handpiece:

How do I get the burs in (out)?

The plunger on the top of the handpiece is for changing burs. Simple press down on it to eject the bur. To insert a new bur, insert it into the collet with your fingers and press it into the collet by using the push tool or a hard surface. Changing of burs is very quick.

Never press the plunger while the bur is spinning in the handpiece. This causes the plunger to weld to the inside of the shaft and cause damage to the turbine and handpiece.

How do I best clean my hand piece and turbine?

The only thing we recommend you use for cleaning your handpiece and turbine is the oil provided with your system. Other oils and cleaners damage the bearings. Flush the handpiece with oil or remove the turbine and clean it with the provided oil and a Q tip.

What is the warranty on the engraving handpiece?

All warranty information is posted in our online store when you purchase your handpiece. Warranties vary by handpiece. However, when you purchase the Turbo 300 handpiece separate, you will receive a full one year warranty on the turbine. When you purchase the Turbo 300 handpiece in one of our complete systems, you will receive a full two years warranty on the turbine. The handpiece is Stainless Steel and the construction is second to none. Nobody had been selling, servicing and testing high speed engraving handpieces as long as we have. We know what works when it comes to high speed engraving equipment.

Is the turbine re-buildable?

The Turbine inside the Turbo 300 is fully re-build able, making it the last handpiece you will ever buy.

How do I remove the collet?

Simply unscrew the collet using the collet tool provided with the handpiece. We do recommend you remove the collet periodically to clean it. The collet is also replaceable as it wears out over time. However, it is the longest lasting collet on the market today.

What happens if I accidentally push the push rod in when it is still turning?

We have an experienced repair staff that can repair almost any problem you encounter with your Turbo 300 handpiece. Even if it is caused by a mistake by you. Most of the time, we can take the handpiece apart, make the repairs and get it back to your at little or no cost to you. We realize that mistakes do happen and we do everything possible to take care of our customers.

The Presto Oil Less Handpiece:

Is the oil less handpiece as good as your Turbo 300?

The Presto handpiece has proven to be a very good, high quality handpiece. It is great for light engraving or engraving on glass. It is also great for working on surfaces that are sensitive to oil. However, our Turbo 300 high speed handpiece has more torque for heavier engraving and carving on surfaces such as wood, gourds and eggs.

What is the warranty on The Presto handpiece?

Profitable Hobbies provides a 90 day warranty on the turbine and one year limited warranty on the handpiece.

How do I get the Collet out?

The collet comes out by first removing a small threaded cap on the top of the shaft. It is really simple, but you need to be very careful not to lose any of the small parts. When you remove the threaded cap, there is a small guide beneath it and then the collet slides out.

Is the turbine re-buildable?

The turbine inside the Presto handpiece is not re-buildable by Profitable Hobbies. You will need to purchase a new turbine when the bearings wear out.

ParaPoint Questions:

How long do the burs last?

Profitable Hobbies only sells the finest quality diamond and carbide cutters. They will last for many years provided proper use and care. Diamonds will get worn over long periods of use, however they work well for sanding in wood. Carbide cutters will last according to the use they receive. If you have a very heavy hand and tend to put too much pressure on them, they will wear quickly. If you take a small diamond and apply a lot of pressure to a rock or steel surface, you can ruin it in a matter of seconds. With a little common sense and understanding that the tools works on speed and not torque, your burs will last many years.

How much do the burs cost?

Burs range in cost from $2.50 – $7.50 for most. You can get some for less and a few, specialized burs may cost a little more but this is the range for most. Be careful of cheap burs found elsewhere on the internet. The quality is very poor and they will not last. We have tested many different brands and makes of cutters throughout the years and have found that you get exactly what you pay for.

How do I know which burs to use on different surfaces?

This type of question is exactly why we don’t sell just tools. Most people cannot just pick up a high speed engraving tool and figure out how to use it properly. That is why we package all of our systems with training dvd’s. A basic engraving course is included with most of our systems which will teach you the basics of which burs to use on which surfaces to produce the desired results. We also have a very experienced full time staff to answer your questions at 1 800 624-7415.

Why do some burs cost more than others?

Diamond and Carbide burs have different prices depending on the quality, shape and size. Round burs generally cost less than most of the more specialized shapes. Quality is also a big issue. If you want the cutters to last, buy good burs. Period. There are too many websites out there that are selling cheap cutters. We have tried them and they are not worth it. You will end up replacing the burs often and maybe even ruining your project or even worse, a project you are being paid to do for someone else. It is not worth the risk for the small savings. This is why we do not sell inferior quality cutters.

Can I get burs from my dentist?

Some customer are able to do this if they have a good reputation with their dentist. However, we always recommend that you start with new burs on a project to eliminate any variables of the burs not being high quality. For example, round burs need to be round. If they are not perfectly round and you try to engrave on an expensive glass vase, you will run the risk of ruining the vase, all for about $2.00. Once again, it is not worth the risk. If you value your time and take pride in your work, it is well worth it to buy good quality burs.

Parablaster Questions:

What makes the Parablaster different from other Sand blasters?

The Parablaster is a professional micro-sand blasting system. It is specially designed for doing smaller, precision projects that larger, traditional Sand blasters just cannot do. The small tip and the control that you will have will allow you to produce detail that is just not possible to get any other way. Many have tried to duplicate the process using traditional sand-blasting equipment, but it does not work. The results speak for themselves.

Why do I need the Parablaster, if I have my engraver?

The Parablaster will enable you to produce and duplicate a project many times over. If someone needs 50 or more wine bottles customized, you will be able to wash out the patterns for all fifty at one time and then blast them all together. With the engraver, you would need to do one at a time. This is very customized but not very time efficient for orders of multiple items. With the wash out system used in the Parablaster, you will be able to duplicate your work over and over in a fraction of the time it would normally take.

What are the air requirements for the Parablaster?

The air requirement for the Parablaster is 3.5 cfm @ 100 psi. Almost any tank type compressor will work. The Parablaster uses very little air pressure when compared to most pneumatic tools. Chances are, the compressor in your garage now will probably run it just fine.

How do I decide if I need 3 mil or 5 mil film?

This depends on the depth you wish to blast. As you blast the pattern, the sand is chipping away at the film. If you hold it too long, the film will break down and the pattern will be ruined. If you use a thicker film, you will be able to blast longer and produce a deeper blast in your project. Normally 3 mil is sufficient for glass, but 5 mil is recommended for stone or tile.

What is the processing time for 3 mil? 5 mil?

The recommended exposure time for 3 mil is 30 seconds with the Letra Lite unit. The recommended exposure time for 5 mil is 45 seconds. You may need to vary these times slightly to get the desired washout depending on your artwork and the surface you are blasting.

How long would it take, start to finsh to blast a project with the Parablaster?

We can usually complete a project using the Parablaster in under 1 hour, with no artistic ability. This depends on the artwork and some other variables, but the Parablaster is the fastest way to get started in a personalization business of your own. It is a proven step by step process to producing incredible results without being an artist and without weeks or more of training.